James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annnual 1881

T H EL A W SO F C R I C K E T . 2 0 7 of the ground ; the Bails eight inches in length ; the Stumps of equal and of sufficient thickness to prevent the ball from passing through . [Althoughnot stated , it is clearly the spirit of the law,andthe stumps should beeight inches wide at the bottom as well as at the top . I have generally adopted theplanof laying the bails on the groundas a guide to setting up the stumps.] I V. The BOWLINGCREASEmust be in a line with the stumps; six feet eight inches in length ; the stumps in the centre ; with a return crease . at each end towards the bowler at right angles . [It is important to notice that the return crease should be at right angles to thebowling crease . I have often seen it drawnin anoblique direction , which w o u l dgivethebowleranadvantage.] V. The POPPING CREASEmust be four feet from the wicket, and parallel to it ; unlimited in length but not shorter than the bowling crease . [Unlimited in length, so as to give the batsmanan opportunity of keeping clear of theball whenthrownin, without incurring the danger of being struck b yit.] VI. The WICKETS must be pitched opposite to each other by the Umpiresat the distance of twenty-twoyards. [It is advisable to use a chainto measure the distance , as tapes are liable to stretch.] VII. It shall not be lawful for either party during the match, without the consent of the other , to alter the ground by rolling , watering , covering , mowingor beating , except at the commencement of each innings , when the ground shall be swept and rolled , unless the next side going in object to it . This rule is not meant to prevent the Striker from beating the ground with his bat near to the spot where he stands during the innings , nor to prevent the bowler from filling up holes with sawdust , &c., whenthe groundshall be wet. [Consent to rolling , &c., is seldom or ever asked during the progress of a n innings . Atthe commencementof an innings the side going in should see that it is swept androlled , as of course it is to their advantage.] VIII. After rain the wickets m a ybe changedwith the consent of both parties . [Avery necessary provision , especially if the ground is muchcut up.] IX. The BOWLERshali deliver the ball with one foot on the ground behind the bowling crease , and within the return crease , and shall bowl one over before he change wickets , which he shall be permitted to do twice in the same innings , and no bowler shall bowl more than two overs in succession. [Notice that the law reads behind the bowling crease ; hence it follows that if the bowler's foot touch any part of the line , it is a no-ball . By ' changing wickets twice ,' it is understood that abowler , after changing ends, mayreturn to his original endonly.] X. The ball must be bowled. If thrown or jerked the Umpire shall call N oBall.' [Adistinct action of the elbow distinguishes a throw, and a jerk would clearly beshownbythe armstriking the bowler's side before delivery of the ball.1